New Fines In Place For Cats And Dogs That Don’t Buckle Up In New Jersey

Click it or ticket. It’s not just for people anymore — at least in the Garden State.
Police and animal control officers are authorized to cite drivers with unrestrained animals in the car. Yes, that includes the back of a pickup truck too. Violators can be fined $250 to $1,000 per offense.

Ray Martinez, head of the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission, just wants to avoid distracted driving.

“People actually driving with a dog or a cat on their laps. It’s not cute. It’s actually dangerous for the driver. It’s dangerous for other drivers and it’s dangerous for that pet.”

Dogs can be placed in harnesses that click right into the seat belt buckle. Cats don’t take well to harnesses for the most part, so they need to go in a carrier. And the carrier needs to be buckled down.

 http://philadelphia.cbslocal.com/2012/06/02/new-fines-in-place-for-cats-and-dogs-that-dont-buckle-up-in-new-jersey/#.T84bgBZ5vPE.email

Outside Pets

Just because it’s warm outside doesn't mean your pet wants to be outdoors all day, especially during the afternoon, which is the hottest part of the day. They’re susceptible to heat and sunstroke too. Somerset Veterinary Group wants to remind you that when your pet spends the afternoon outside, they should be able to drink plenty of cool, fresh water and have a shady place to relax. 

Bark in the Park: Summer Dates

Bring your dog out to the Somerset Patriots ballpark for fun with the whole family at 'Bark in the Park'. There will be a pre-game Pooch Parade beginning at 6:30 pm. The dates are Monday June 25th, Tuesday July 24th, Monday August 27th and Tuesday September 18th. Here is a picture of Dr. North throwing out the first pitch.

Warm Weather Brings Pesky Parasites

Most pet owners know that the return of springtime temperatures will also hasten the return of itching and scratching due to fleas. What many owners don't know is that besides the irritation, fleas can also spread numerous serious diseases and parasites such as tapeworms. Although fleas seem to hold an upper hand, your veterinarian can help you win the battle against these pests. Watch this video to learn more.

Tomorrow is 'If Pets had Thumbs'

Sam is our Pet of the Month! Sam is a nine year old Doberman Pinscher who was rescued at 15 months. Sam has had his teeth brushed everyday along with Hills t/d diet, marrow and nylabones as treats. At the age of 5, Sam had a dental cleaning but only had minimal tartar. Daily oral care and appropriate chewing toys certainly pays off!

 

Dental Open House

Baby Deer and Baby Kitten

Table Food and Pets

Did you know that some common “people foods” can be extremely dangerous to your pet’s health? Foods such as onions, macadamia nuts, avocado, grapes, raisins, chocolate, and parts of the turkey, just to name a few, should never be fed to your animal companions. While you are enjoying your holiday meal this season, be sure to keep plenty of pet-friendly treats on hand so your four legged family member will be less likely to beg for scraps.

 

Thanksgiving Pet Safety Tips

Ms. Ely's newest pup, Sam!

Traveling for the Holidays?

Spending the holidays away from home this year? Before your holiday travel plans begin, be sure you have the proper vaccines, including Bordetella, for your pet. Call us at 908-725-1800 for more information.

 

WORLD ANIMALS DAY!

Today is World Animals Day. It is intended as a day of celebration for anyone in the world who cares about animals. World Animal Day is a wonderful way to unite the animal welfare movement and something that everyone can join in with whether they are part of an organization, group, or as an individual. How have animals enriched your life?